Development Director

Organization Overview Space to Thrive is a mission-driven organization seeking to provide every child with positive and accessible experiences that nurture development. With a long-standing reputation in the Windham and Raymond area (previously known as the Windham Raymond SACC program), Space to Thrive is in a period of exciting growth, including expanding programs and recently opening a new early childhood education center. Position Summary The Development Director supports the fundraising and development function of Space to Thrive, working under the direction of the Executive Director to advance donor stewardship, grant management, and community engagement. This position is currently part-time, with potential to grow to full-time as the organization's development infrastructure and funding base expand. The Development Director is a key member of the administrative leadership team, partnering closely with the Executive Director to build long-term organizational sustainability. The Development Director does not have any supervisory responsibilities or direct reports; however, as the position develops in future years, potential for supervising development staff. Key Responsibilities Fundraising & Development Create and implement a fund development plan in accordance with ethical fundraising principles which increases revenues to support the strategic direction of the organization. Support donor cultivation and relationships, including donor records, giving history, and coordinating follow-up communications Assist with grant activity: research, data gathering, reporting, and compliance; collaborate with the Executive Director on proposal writing and submissions Help coordinate fundraising & community events, including logistics, volunteer coordination, and donor outreach, in partnership with the Executive Director Monitors trends in the community and region and adapt fundraising strategies as necessary Develops and manages timelines for various fundraising activities to ensure strategic plans and critical fund raising processes are carried out in a timely manner. Oversees the administration of a donor mailing list and database and follow-up thank you notes which respects the privacy and confidentiality of donor information. Coordinates in-kind donations. Communications & Community Engagement Draft donor communications, appeals, and impact updates for Executive Director review Maintain Space to Thrive's presence with community partners and at relevant events Gather stories and program data from staff to support donor-facing materials Support social media presence in collaboration with the Administrative Director Systems & Infrastructure Own and manage the donor database, ensuring records are current, accurate, and actionable Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and funding pipeline Prepare revenue reports and development updates for the Executive Director and Board Build and maintain organizational systems that support a growing development function Qualifications Required 5+ years of experience in nonprofit development or fundraising Demonstrated experience managing donor databases and development infrastructure Strong organizational and time management skills Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to draft compelling donor-facing materials Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of systems Genuine alignment with the organization's mission and the communities it serves Preferred Background in early childhood education, childcare, or human services Familiarity with Maine's philanthropic and grant-making landscape Experience planning and supporting fundraising events Experience with donor management software (candidates who bring a platform they know and trust are welcome) Why Work for Us Significant influence and impact: an opportunity to establish a development function in an organization that is ready to grow, with systems, relationships, and strategy that will have lasting impact Flexible, hybrid schedule: a 20-hour week that can be shaped around your life, with a mix of remote and in-person work Positive community relationships: deep roots in the Windham and Raymond area, building on a foundation of genuine goodwill and community connection #J-18808-Ljbffr